Take off for flight refuelling site?

Plans to develop part of the former Cobham site near Wimborne are expected to be decided in the coming weeks. Local CPRE members have largely supported the development on the grounds that it makes good use of a brownfield site.

Developer Charles Church wants to build 186 homes at the old Flight Refuelling site in Brook Road, next to the River Stour. Forty per cent of the 116 houses and 70 flats would be set aside as affordable housing through the Spectrum Housing Group. Before construction could begin on the 11.5-acre site, behind the Leigh Park estate, existing office buildings and 12 trees will need to be removed.

Architects working on behalf of Charles Church say their “high quality” designs for red brick and slate roofed homes are in keeping with “historic Wimborne”. The development would include two children’s play areas, and although the Cobham plc site is on the flood plain, it will be kept well back from the flood line, the company’s design statement says.

It has been used for industrial purposes for more than 50 years, storing materials including aviation fuel. When the land was acquired in December last year, it was hailed as one of the biggest acquisitions in Dorset for 10 years.

The application for planning permission follows six months of pre-application discussions with East Dorset District Council planners and Highways officers at Dorset county Council. Around 60 people attended public exhibitions of draft plans held last year. A decision will be made in October or November.